Ilander, I didn't get that you were supporting looters/etc. I'm glad you were able to clarify it through Chewie's post.
What I thought you were saying was that we should allow our brethren and sistren to make poor decisions, and then be obligated to support them when those decisions turn nasty.
Some people didn't leave. Some people couldn't leave. I have a lot more compassion for those who couldn't than I do for those who didn't. I have a lot of compassion for those who looted stores for food for their children. I have no compassion for those who looted to get high-end electronics and such.
Sometimes, you have to live (or die
) with the results of your actions.
Now, I understand the feeling that those weathercasters have cried wolf too many times about serious hurricanes. 'Round here, we never get nervous about blizzard and heavy snowstorm warnings unless the weathercasters say it will "just miss us". Then we load up for a long time.
That doesn't mean that a snowstorm is the same as this event. It isn't. Period.
It happened, however, and there's a lot of human tragedy in the offing. The biggest thing to do now, in my mind, is to work on recreating some semblance of normalcy and supporting those who are newly homeless, jobless, and possibly futureless. It's up to them, however, to also do their part to pick themselves up, difficult though it is.
If I sound cold and heartless, I'm not. I just don't believe anyone else owes me anything when it comes to supporting my life and my family's lives. They may choose to help, and I may choose to accept, but no one is obligated to come help me.
Personally, I think a lot of the current tragic issues (looting, shooting, etc.) are happening because people down there are caught up in the situation and can't see their way to tomorrow. A strong calming outside presence (such as military force) can help get through this phase until common sense returns.